Re: WWI Gas Mask Set

Re: WWI Gas Mask Set

It has a nice Schnappdeckel on it too. This was a late war attachment to the filter, which was added in order to filter out smoke, which tended to clog the filter and keep it from filtering the poisonous gas properly.

Re: WWI Gas Mask Set

The spare lenses are coated with gelatin, this was used to control moisture. The earlier cloth mask had folds in the face piece, so you could stick your finger in the fold to wipe the inside of the lens, the replacement lenses could be changed when the gelatin became saturated and the lens became opaque. The US and UK masks used a waxy stick to try to control condensation on the inside of the lenses.
Any restoration you do to the straps, will only reduce the value of the mask, unless it is done is such a manner that it can be undone. Also, if you deceide to display it on a form, be aware that the leather will react quickly with the foam heads that are available, and cause damage to the leather.
Best
Gus